Train to Gain Initiative

David Willetts: To ask the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills how much his Department has spent under the Train to Gain initiative on advertising in each month of the last 12 months; and how much he estimates will be so spent in the next six months.

Si�n Simon: National marketing and communications for Train to Gain is delivered by the national Learning and Skills Council (LSC) on behalf of the Department. Records indicate that during the period January to December 2008 total advertising expenditure excluding VAT was 4,092,266. There are no media costs for Jan 2009 and no projected media costs for February to March 2009. We are currently working with the LSC to develop a dedicated marketing and communications strategy for the financial year 2009-10.